Ukraine's Air Force destroys over 8,000 Russian air attack targets since start of full-scale war

Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk shared the information.

"Over two and a half years, the Air Force has destroyed more than 8,000 enemy air targets: hundreds of aircraft and helicopters, thousands of cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian pilots have flown over 20,000 combat missions, most of them involving the combat use of aviation weapons... Using modern Western weapons with high quality and skill, the Air Force soldiers showed great courage, heroism, professionalism and ingenuity," he said, congratulating the Air Force on their professional holiday.

Oleshchuk also added that last year he addressed the NATO air force commanders with the slogan "Victory on the ground is forged in the sky!". The commander called on his colleagues to create a strong air coalition, and on the eve of the full-scale invasion, he spoke to them about the closed skies over Ukraine and the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.

"The battle for the sky continues. The enemy is attacking us with bombs and missiles around the clock, conducting aerial reconnaissance, and striking with drones every night. The Air Force, side by side with the air defense of the entire Ukrainian Defense Forces, repels the attacks. As far as possible, they destroy enemy air attack equipment, hit the enemy from the air, and keep the defense on the ground," Oleshchuk emphasized.

According to him, during the large-scale invasion, 4,475 servicemen of the Air Force were awarded state awards for personal courage and selflessness in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, 47 of them became Heroes of Ukraine, 25 posthumously.

"Today, I congratulate all servicemen and veterans of the Air Force on the 20th anniversary, I thank everyone who makes every effort for our victory! I am grateful to our partners, volunteers, civil society, and everyone who helps us to become stronger in the fight for peace and freedom for our Ukraine!" the commander summarized.

• On the night of August 4, Russian troops launched attack drones and missiles at the territory of Ukraine. Ukraine’s air defense forces managed to destroy all the Shahed UAVs.